Tips for WDW with a 1 y.o.?

[momshark]

In November my DS9 and I will be traveling with my VBF, her DH and 3 children (DS 7, DS5, DD1). Us moms are looking for some tips on hitting the parks with a 1yo. My VBF might end up spending a lot of time on the bench with her DD. Any suggestions on visiting w/ a 1 year old?

 

[annie1995]

Just subscribing, next time we go, we will have a 13 mo old! I love some tips too!

 

[In Luv with Disney]

The next time we go, our princess will be 19 months old!

As for tips, I will just tell you to GO WITH THE FLOW. Don't rush around commando or anything, just make sure to take it at the 1 year olds pace.
A one year old can do PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING at WDW (except for a few thrill rides, and you guys can do child swap to make sure you all get to ride everything!) Make sure you have your nice comfortable stroller so she can take naps when she gets tired. The plastic ones at WDW are VERY HARD and definitely not that comfortable!

If the 1 year old gets out of control, take her back to the resort in the middle of the day for a break...some quiet time and maybe even a quick nap. Then bring her back to the parks for the latter part of the day.

DON'T WORRY, EVERYTHING WILL BE GREAT!!!!!!!!

 

[annie1995]

Bump!

 

[all4fun]

This thread has a lot of helpful tips:

Disney Babies:Let's compile our best tips for the under 1 set!!!

 

[aidansmom]

Our ds was 22 months when we went in Dec 04. We got to the parks when they opened, went back to AKL early afternoon - napped and swam- and then got ready to go back out for dinner/ parks. This worked GREAT for us, I think it really was the key to what was a wonderful trip, but each family is different. Good luck!

 

[lovesdumbo]

The older boys will love to have the young baby along. On the rides the baby can't ride you can do fast pass which allows the adult that stays with the baby to take several people on when they ride. At Soarin it was adult plus 3 more. SO...the boys get to ride while 1 adult stays behind with baby then when that adult rides they can take the 3 boys on again.

I'm sure this is in that other thread but the best thing I had when my DD was 11 1/2 months were Table Toppers. Disposable self stick placemats.

I also had 2 other children (turned 3 and 4 1/2) on that trip. I did go back to the room for a nap in the afternoon but it was my older 2 who napped. The baby napped in her stroller and got some much needed "floor time" in the hotel room.

 

[MinnieGi]

Our DD's first trip was at 14 months and DS has been at 5, 13 & 16 months. Personally I think WDW is the perfect place to travel with ones so young. Some tips:

Child Swap For all height restricted rides your entire party can stand in line and wait together. When it comes time to do the ride one member stays with the children who are not tall enough to ride while the others go on. When they come back the children who cannot go on are then handed over to the members that already rode and the person who did not ride gets a turn and can usually have someone else from the group join them for their turn. Just tell the cm's when you enter an attraction that you plan to child swap and they will give your specific directions for that attraction.

Baby Care Centers These are great little havens for mom/dads and little ones. Each park has one. They have large diaper changing tables, rooms for nursing, highchairs and low tables for feeding and a tv area to relax. There is an area to buy diapers, baby food, formula etc. While more expensive than the grocery store - indespensible if you forget or run out of the needed item.

Babies and toddlers can ride any ride without a height restriction. DS enjoyed all the rides he could go on. Plus he loved watching the parades, fireworks and shows. Little ones are impressed with the smallest details and just enjoy the scenery. I always bring plenty of snacks for the kids and we give them plenty of downtime.

Enjoy!

 

[momshark]

Thanks everyone for all of these great tips!! I forgot all about the baby centers at the parks and all of the nap time in the strollers that my kids got when they were little. I'll pass everything on to my VBF. Thanks!!